Basil Rajapaksa: Sri Lanka seeks Interpol notice to track former minister

Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is seeking an Interpol Blue Notice to locate former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa. The move aims to establish his identity, location, and movements as authorities attempt to bring him before local courts.

Rajapaksa, a prominent figure in the Rajapaksa political dynasty, faces allegations of money laundering related to property acquisitions in Matara and the misappropriation of state funds for electioneering in 2014. Authorities believe he is currently residing in the United States.

This legal action follows recent scrutiny of other family members, including the arrest of Namal Rajapaksa on graft charges and investigations into other relatives. The legal pressure on the family intensifies in the wake of the 2022 economic crisis that led to significant political upheaval in Sri Lanka.